Chapter 15
Rory was greeted by the Head of Chambers, Nigel Kerfoot, as he entered the general office.
‘Ah Rory, might I have a word?’
Just looking at the man set Rory’s teeth on edge. ‘Of course.’ He followed him to his office. Nigel discreetly shut the door and sat behind his enormous desk.
‘Well, Rory, you’ve made quite an impression,’ he said, giving one of his sickly smiles.
‘Have I?’ Rory flatly replied.
‘Oh come, come. Don’t be coy.’ Nigel forced a brittle laugh. ‘You’re the talk of the Law Society, which,’ he nodded his head in approval, ‘isn’t doing us any harm. In fact, you’ve put the chambers in a very good light. Excelled its already fine reputation, one might say.’ He smiled again. Rory noticed it never quite reached his eyes, though. Was this praise given resentfully? Did he even care? He stared, saying nothing. Nigel coughed, as if waiting for some response. ‘So… I’ve decided, that is, we, the chambers have decided that in future all high-profile cases are given to you.’
There was a slight pause. Rory stared at him and said nothing. Nigel smirked to himself, misunderstanding Rory’s silence for him being overwhelmed.
‘Of course, this will mean more spotlight, but as we’ve already seen,’ he gave a shallow chuckle making Rory wince, ‘you’re no stranger to that. You manage the press extremely well, don’t you?’
‘I’d manage a pay rise better,’ replied Rory acidly, then added, ‘Any assistance with all these high-profile cases?’
‘Of course not,’ cut in Nigel swiftly, making Rory snort at the injustice.
Nigel blinked. This was hardly the reaction he’d been expecting. A slow anger started to rise up inside him.
‘Do you understand exactly what I am offering you, Molloy?’ he said in a low, menacing voice.
‘Yeah, I do. More work for less money,’ replied Rory staring him in the face, refusing to be intimidated. ‘I don’t want them.’ He folded his arms defiantly.
‘Sorry?’ Nigel looked perplexed. ‘What do you mean you don’t want them?’
‘Just that. I. Don’t. Want. Them. Which word are you struggling with, Nigel?’
‘I… how dare you?’ he spluttered, eyes bulging in outrage.
‘Oh, I dare all right,’ retorted, Rory standing. ‘Had I lost in court, you wouldn’t have thought twice in hurling me out of this chamber on me arse.’ Nigel recoiled at the vulgar expression. ‘I’m quitting, Nigel. You can shove this chamber where the sun don’t shine.’ And with that, Rory strode out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
Nigel’s eyes narrowed. Who did the jumped-up nobody think he was? He coolly picked up his phone.
‘Clear Rory Molloy’s desk and have security escort him from the building.’ Strictly speaking the little shit should give a month’s notice, but there was no way he’d ever step foot in his chambers again.
Rory was handed the cardboard box containing his possessions. He accepted them with open arms.
‘Thank you so much,’ he beamed and walked head held high out of Goldgate Chambers for the last time, with all his colleagues looking on, jaws dropped.
As the cool air met him on the steps outside, Rory inhaled a deep breath and took a good look round at Goldgate Square for the last time. Everything was ticking along normally, oblivious to the life-changing decision he’d just made. People were wandering in and out of the artisan shops, the little deli was bustling with early lunch time diners and Mario’s wine bar, which he’d often frequented, was starting to fill. All nice enough, but it wasn’t the north. It wasn’t home. He turned for a final look at the chambers, the huge red bricked building standing proudly with its mirrored glass lettering, announcing smugly the fine establishment it was. Well good luck to it, thought Rory. It wasn’t for him, and it had taken one trip to Lancashire and one good woman to make him realise. He’d never really been happy in London. Yes, it had provided an illustrious career which had earned him money, but Rory wasn’t particularly materialistic. It hadn’t been enough to tempt him to stay and grow roots. Already he was feeling much better in himself, lighter in mood and spirit. Of course, he knew that the initial sense of freedom was temporary and in the longer term he needed to take stock and make future plans, but for now, he intended to enjoy every minute of the euphoria.
On the drive back home, Rory’s head was catching up with what his heart had done. He’d have to sell his flat. That wasn’t going to be a problem; property in the area of north London where he lived sold like hot cakes. There’d be a tidy profit to be made, too. He also had a decent amount of savings accumulated over the years. The one advantage of not enjoying a London lifestyle despite living in the city had been the money stacking up whilst staying in. This was going to provide space and time for him to think about where and what he was going to do next. It didn’t worry him. The visceral feeling in his gut told him he had absolutely made the right choice in leaving the chambers. He also knew beyond any doubt whatsoever that leaving London was the right move. Onwards and upwards!
Pulling up outside Hollins House he saw the back of someone standing in the entrance by the front door, ringing one of the flat buzzers. He blinked and looked again. Could it be? Surely not. But he, more than most, would know that sexy pixie cut anywhere.
‘Cassie?’ he called, slamming his car door shut. She turned suddenly and gave a wide smile.
‘Rory!’ She quickly ran down the steps and went to hug him.
‘Cassie, what are you doing here?’ he laughed, not quite believing his eyes as his arms wrapped round her.
‘I couldn’t keep away,’ she muffled into his neck, then pulled back to kiss him. It was hot and urgent, both so needy of each other. Rory was caught up in the moment; just as he thought his day couldn’t get any better, here she was. Finally he released her.
‘Come inside, Pixie, and explain yourself.’
